The decision is more important than you would perceive it to be. When it comes to deciding on an antivirus and malware protection for your computer, people usually focus on one or two main features in order to make a final decision.

Most people don’t consider the right type of features that they should opt for, simply because they are generally unaware of the possibilities. The most difficult part of the choice is to decide on a particular version since the software company offers several options that cater to different requirements. This in-depth article will prove to be all the help you need.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free

If you absolutely decide to go for a free version of malware protection, then Bitdefender’s free version is the best choice. Since, as far as it comes to the very basic features, it is the safest bet. In case you already have another free malware protection in place, it is better to switch to Bitdefender’s free version instead. Here are some pros and cons of installing the Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition.

Pros

Cons

No prevention against incoming viruses

Only quarantines existing viruses and malware

Standard version for every PC

No parental control

No system customization

One device use

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

While the free version is capable of scanning your PC for basic viruses, it’s updated and paid version, Antivirus Plus, comes with advanced features that ensure a more protection experience for the user. There are plausible reasons for why you should opt for the Plus version.

Pros

SafePay

Prevents malware from entering system

Silent functionality

Protects email (spam control)

Parental control

Two-tiered firewall

Data encryption

File back-up

Speeds device

Cons

Malware Detection

Different types of malware require diverse algorithms to detect and protect your system from. While detecting an existing infectious virus is crucial, it is more imperative to weed out the malware before it enters your system and damages existing files and important data – which can ultimately lead to password and identity theft.

Bitdefender Free Antivirus

This version is excellent at removing malicious viruses that already exist on your system. But, a downside is that it will only remove it from the main system, and quarantine it so that it does not cause any further damage.

Antivirus Plus

Widely recognized malware can be easy to detect, whereas zero-day malware is much more dangerous since no set protocols are in place to prevent it from entering the system. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus scans every suspicious file in order to ensure that it does not carry a malicious virus that can cause damage. In a world of unknown pop-ups, Bitdefender provides premium protection against new threats.

Privacy

BD Antivirus Free Software

The free version lacks severely in this department, as its most prominent feature is blocking malware, and does not provide any level of protection against one’s private information such as passwords, theft of sensitive data, or personal information. Once the theft has taken place, there are no protocols in place to recover the stolen data, as the free version does not have an Anti-Theft feature that helps the user to recover any information that they might have lost during a virus attack.

BD Antivirus Plus

This paid version of Bitdefender is the best available option online, if you engage in activities like online banking, as it provides the users with a protected browsing experience with features like SafePay, as it also enables high levels of security so that your usernames, passwords, and all the related data stays untouched. With active spyware control in place, it prevents unwanted breech of information. It is more suited for you if you use your PC for work, or even personal transactions.

Extra Protection with Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Photon

Since every computer system is different, the level of security needed also differs from PC to PC. Bitdefender Photon is a feature that customizes the type of protective measures to take according to the system that it has been installed to.

USB Immunizer

Online protection from malware is not enough. Dozens of devices are usually plugged into the PC at different points in time. Once you connect a device to your system, the antivirus gives you the option to drag and drop the files to scan for possible malicious threats. It also warns you in case you are about to open an infected or suspicious link that could infect your computer with a virus. It is especially proficient at keeping you at bay from visiting websites that are known for previous incidents such as credit card phishing or other online scams.

Gamer Mode

Unwanted ads, pop ups, and notifications are notorious for ruining the gaming experience. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus features a gamer mode, which prevents you from being interrupted. It also comes with an added benefit of enhancing the speed of the device, which results in a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.

Final Thoughts

If your purpose of installing the antivirus is to control the damage from furthering, and the usage of your system is limited to the basic functionality, then the free version is the right choice for you. But, free is not always better. Since it is available for free, you will be at the receiving end of unwanted ads. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is designed to provide you with a more sustainable level of security from different mediums regardless of whether they are online or entering your system through another device. Paying a minimal cost for this version is going to prove to be cost effective in the long run.